Technical Specialist - NZ Transplantation and Immunogenetics Laboratory

About New Zealand Blood and Organ Service

New Zealand Blood and Organ Service (NZBS) has sole responsibility for collecting, processing, and distributing blood in New Zealand. Our specialist services also extend to the provision of testing for Solid Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell transplantation, Cellular therapies and tissue banking such as the provision of stem cell products along with cardiovascular, skin and bone allografts. Through this work at the end of every day, you know that you have contributed to making a difference in someone's life.

Our shared values are at the heart of our organisation's culture, shaping our daily actions and motivating us to deliver the highest quality service to the New Zealand public. Watch this video to see what our people say about the NZBS values they admire the most.  

About the Role

Join our ASHI and IANZ Accredited laboratory in Auckland and be at the forefront of transplantation testing in New Zealand. This is a rare opportunity for someone with the right knowledge and experience to enhance the technical and scientific aspects of our New Zealand Transplantation and Immunogenetics laboratory (NZTIL) functional stream.

This role combines the best of both worlds; you will work both on the bench performing laboratory processes, procedures and be a specialist within the team, overseeing complex processes and projects. Building the capability of your colleagues and working closely with the Clinical Scientist / ASHI Director, Team Leader and other Technical Specialists on initiatives and projects. You will liaise with clinicians and transplant services, and be involved in the development, validation, and implementation of new techniques and processes.

Your base salary will be between $120,356 to $125,634 depending on skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Provide specialised scientific and technical expertise to support the development, optimisation, and ongoing improvement of new and existing processes and projects within the NZTIL framework.

Foster a positive learning environment by providing training, supervision, and guidance to new and existing staff, BMLS students, Haematology Registrars, and Transplant Coordinators.

Perform all laboratory processes and procedures in accordance with approved protocols and regulatory requirements.

Liaise effectively with clinicians and transplant services to support patient care and service delivery.

Collaborate with functional teams, including Validation and Quality, to develop, validate, and implement new methods, instrumentation, and processes specific to Histocompatibility.

Review of validation protocols, while demonstrating a strong understanding of validation principles and with adherence to GxP and regulatory requirements.

Prepare, review, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation documentation, and related controlled documents as required or requested.

Our Ideal candidate

Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist (or eligible for registration) with the Medical Sciences Council of NZ.

Preferably holds a postgraduate/master's qualification and/or Scientist with a BSHI qualification or CHS certification.

At least 4 years' experience in a Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics/Immunology Laboratory

Experienced taking a technical leadership role within a team including building accountability and capability to deliver agreed processes and standards

Detailed understanding of solid organ transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and transfusion support

Sound knowledge of the HLA system (immunology, genetics, and nomenclature) with comprehensive experience in Tissue Typing techniques including Serology and DNA protocols

Comfortable using windows applications and various software platforms applicable to Tissue Typing

Able to participate in an on-call roster

Able to deputise for the Clinical Scientist/ASHI Director as required.

Apply now

If you are a passionate and collaborative team player with a positive can-do attitude, strong communication skills, and a customer, quality, and future-focused approach, we would love to hear from you.

Be part of our dedicated team and make a difference in the evolving field of transplantation testing for Solid Organ & Stem Cell transplantation in New Zealand.